Exercise Science, Health Promotion, and Recreation

The EXHPR department, through its educational offerings, helps prepare you for careers in Exercise Science, teaching Physical Education and coaching, Athletic Training, Health Promotion, Community and Outdoor Leadership Recreation, and graduate or professional school. Our mission is to provide you with a strong academic background that includes experiential opportunities – we strongly emphasize a Student–Centered approach to learning and promote wellness and healthy lifestyles.

We have excellent facilities in our newly renovated building exemplified by our exercise physiology and athletic training labs, three high technology equipped classrooms, comprehensive weight room, swimming pool, well equipped athletic training rooms, a brand new student recreation center, and a state–renowned outdoor sports complex. We are also proud of our outstanding thirty-two-element outdoor challenge course and indoor climbing wall. As a student, you will be able to use these facilities as well as rent outdoor adventure equipment while attending the University.

Historically, our graduates have successfully received gainful employment in their chosen field.Our goal is to educate and prepare you with knowledge and expertise that will distinguish you from others entering the workforce.Our programs are designed to facilitate those goals. If you have specific questions, please feel free to contact our department at 719.549.2381.Our office hours are Monday thru Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. MST.

Major program strengths• currency of curriculum based on consistent review and updating based on accreditation and professional standards• current faculty, quality teaching pedagogy, and high commitment levels• good student demand • high level of student to faculty contact and quality advising• increasing enrollment • Athletic Training Education Degree CAATE Accreditation• Wilderness Education Association Accreditation• quality resources for labs and other experiential requirements• direct student involvement in research activities

Athletic Training is the prevention, recognition, management, and rehabilitation of injuries/illnesses to the athlete or the physically active. The CSU-Pueblo Athletic Training Education Program is accredited effective April 2004 by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education (C.A.A.T.E.).

The goals of the CSU- Pueblo Athletic Training Education Program are to enable the student to successfully complete and pass the Board of Certification (BOC) Exam, to enter and succeed in the Athletic Training profession, and to promote the positive attitude of healthful living. Learn More

We view Recreation as an activity (including physical, mental, social or emotional involvement) to be experienced, and the choice of the involvement in these activities is voluntary and free of compulsion or obligation. We have seen an increase in consumer demand for local recreation programs and facilities, and even in a ‘slack economy,’ some of the last things that individuals give up is their leisure and hobby interests!

Completion of either emphasis of study prepares graduates to work in positions of leadership in a variety of recreational service agencies. Prospective employers include parks and recreation departments at the city, county, district, and state levels as well as voluntary youth agencies such as the YWCA/YMCA, boys’ and girls’ clubs, and scouting. Other areas of employment include recreation pro­grams in the military, hospital, commercial, and worksite settings. Learn More

The study of exercise science becomes the basis for what we do in all the specific applications of our knowledge about the need for movement in our professional fields – Physical Education, Athletic Training, Physical Therapy, Health Promotion, Recreation, Fitness, etc. To this end most of our “core” curriculum consists primarily of study in each of these applied sciences – physiology, motor learning, assessment, physics, statistics, psychology, and behavior facilitation.

This option is an excellent selection for students preparing for advance study in fields such as exercise physiology, allied health, or sport administration. Students completing the General Exercise Science coursework will be prepared for exercise and fitness related professional positions. Students will be also be eligible to sit for a variety of nationally recognized certification exams, including those offered by the American College of Sports Medicine, the American Council on Exercise, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. Learn More

Health Promotion & Wellness is an interdisciplinary field which focuses on services in the workplace and in the community. It is aimed at influencing behavior on positive health grounds and seeks to help individuals, groups, or whole communities to develop positive health attributes which are central to the enhancement of true well-being.

Curriculum includes classes in lifestyle behavior management, community health, and program planning and evaluation. Internship placements include city/county health departments, hospitals, worksite health promotion, YMCAs, and other public health disease prevention sites. Students completing the Health Promotion/Wellness option will be eligible to take the National Commission for Health Education Credentialing exam to become a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). Learn More

We believe that Physical Education Teaching is an educational process that uses physical activity as a means to help people acquire skills, fitness, knowledge, and attitudes that contribute to their optimal development and well-being. Further Physical Education contributes to the development of the whole person and is an on-going process that occurs throughout our lifespan. This profession requires specialized training in an intellectual field of study that is dedicated to the betterment of society through service to others.

Students completing the Physical Education Teacher Preparation K-12 will emphasize a lot of hands on course work, many practicum opportunities, and the ability to pass the Colorado Department of Education P.L.A.C.E. test - Passing this test will make the student eligible to receive a Teacher Licensure in the State of Colorado. Learn More